Hands-On Leadership: Why You Should Hire Executives Who Get Their Hands Dirty

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, the role of executives has evolved. Gone are the days when executives could simply sit back and delegate tasks to their team. The demand for hands-on executives who are willing to roll up their sleeves and dive into the trenches has never been higher. In this article, we will explore the importance of having executives who are actively involved in the day-to-day operations of their respective departments, such as the Head of Sales, Head of Marketing, and Head of Customer Success.

The Downfall of Delegating Everything

In the past, it may have been acceptable for executives to delegate tasks and focus solely on building their team and setting up processes. However, as companies grow, this approach can lead to a disconnect between executives and the front lines of the business. Executives who are out of touch with the daily challenges and realities faced by their teams risk losing sight of what truly matters and what got their company to where it is today.

The Head of Sales: Leading by Example

When hiring a new Head of Sales, it’s crucial to find someone who is not just a great leader, but also willing to lead by example. The Head of Sales should be someone who is ready to hit the ground running and get their hands dirty. This means actively engaging in direct sales, closing deals, and understanding the challenges faced by the sales team firsthand.

A hands-on approach from the Head of Sales sets the tone for the entire sales department. It fosters a culture of hard work, perseverance, and a deep understanding of the customer’s needs. By being in the trenches themselves, executives can identify areas for improvement, develop effective sales tactics, and provide valuable insights to their team.

The Head of Marketing: Getting in the Trenches

Similar to the Head of Sales, the Head of Marketing should be actively involved in the day-to-day activities of their department. This means taking a hands-on approach to demand generation, campaign execution, and content creation. It’s not enough for the Head of Marketing to simply delegate these tasks to a team of specialists and agencies.

By rolling up their sleeves and getting in the trenches, the Head of Marketing can gain a deeper understanding of the market, identify trends, and develop effective marketing strategies. They can lead by example, inspire creativity, and ensure that the marketing team is aligned with the company’s goals and objectives.

The Head of Customer Success: Building Meaningful Relationships

Customer success is a critical aspect of any business, and the Head of Customer Success plays a pivotal role in ensuring customer satisfaction and retention. To be effective in this role, the Head of Customer Success must be willing to engage directly with customers from day one.

Customer visits, meetings, and relationship-building activities should be a top priority for the Head of Customer Success. By being actively involved in customer engagements, executives can gain firsthand insights into customer needs, pain points, and expectations. This allows them to develop and refine strategies to enhance customer satisfaction, improve retention rates, and drive long-term business growth.

The Interview Process: Asking the Tough Questions

When interviewing candidates for executive roles, it’s essential to ask the tough questions to gauge their willingness to be hands-on. During the interview process, consider asking candidates what their initial responsibilities would be in the first 30 days on the job.

For the Head of Sales, inquire about their approach to direct sales and whether they are willing to actively engage in closing deals. Ask the Head of Marketing about their plans for executing campaigns themselves and their involvement in content creation. And for the Head of Customer Success, discuss their thoughts on customer visits and relationship building in the early stages of their role.

The Risks of Hiring Executives Who Don’t Get Their Hands Dirty

Hiring executives who are not willing to get their hands dirty can be a significant risk for businesses. These individuals may lack the deep understanding of the challenges faced by their teams and may struggle to provide effective leadership. They may rely too heavily on delegation, leading to a disconnect between the executive level and the front lines.

Furthermore, executives who are not actively involved in the day-to-day operations may miss out on valuable insights that could drive business growth. They may become detached from the realities of the market, customer needs, and industry trends. This can hinder innovation, hinder the establishment of a customer-centric culture, and ultimately impact the company’s bottom line.

The Importance of Leading from the Front

In today’s competitive business landscape, leading from the front is essential for executives. By actively engaging in the day-to-day operations of their departments, executives can foster a culture of hard work, dedication, and continuous improvement. They set the example for their teams and inspire them to go above and beyond.

Executives who lead from the front demonstrate their commitment to the success of the company. They show that they are not afraid to get their hands dirty, tackle challenges head-on, and work alongside their team members. This hands-on approach builds trust, respect, and loyalty among employees, creating a positive and productive work environment.

The Bottom Line: Hiring the Right Executives

In conclusion, hiring hands-on executives is crucial for the success of any business. The Head of Sales, Head of Marketing, and Head of Customer Success should all be actively involved in the day-to-day operations of their respective departments. They should lead by example, engage directly with customers, and be willing to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty.

During the interview process, don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions to ensure that the candidates are willing to be hands-on. Hiring executives who are actively engaged in the trenches will not only drive business growth but also foster a culture of hard work, dedication, and continuous improvement. So, let’s get back to basics and make sure we’re hiring the right people for executive roles — people who aren’t afraid to dive into the trenches and lead from the front.